Since the beginning of last season, Vrana, Ovechkin, Kuznetsov have played 95 minutes together. When together, the trio only controls 46.2 percent of shot attempts at five-on-five. They have also given up 22 high-danger chances while only generating 18 chances. However, the three players have high goals rate, as they have scored 7 goals and allowed 4 when on the ice at five-on-five.

The trio has played very few minutes together since the start of this season, and Vrana has been shooting the puck at a much higher rate than the previous year. Vrana has increased his shot attempts per 60 minutes from 13.9 last season to 17.2 this season, and he may be the offensive component needed for the Capitals’ first line to dominate games.

The new second line has seen more success in the past. Since the start of the 2017-18 season, Burakovsky, Oshie, and Backstrom have played 235 minutes together. The line has controlled 54.8% of shot attempts at five-on-five and generated 104 scoring chances while only conceding 89.

When Bowey and Orpik play together, the Capitals have been out-attempted 456 to 326, given up 222 scoring chances while generating 156, and conceded 104 high danger chances while creating 61.

Between the pipes, Pheonix Copley may receive his second start of the season as Braden Holtby stayed on the ice with the scratches at the end of practice.

Interesting that Braden Holtby is still on the ice at the Dome along with the healthy scratches. Good chance that the #Capitals are starting Phoenix Copley tomorrow …meaning that the #Flames, after losing 9-1 on Thursday, could see the #Capitals back-up.